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Economic Partnership Unveils Actions to Ensure Region Remains a Global Centre of Energy Excellence in the Long-term

Energetica, Energy Futures Centre, Offshore Windfarm and Expansion of Export Markets Key to Anchoring Energy Industry in Aberdeen City and Shire

Following workshops and meeting with key players in the energy industry, ACSEF has drawn up an action plan to ensure the region retains a global oil and gas industry long after the North Sea's hydrocarbons are depleted.

The actions to ensure that Aberdeen City and Shire remains a global centre of energy excellence now and in the future include delivery of Energetica - a proposed energy technology lifestyle corridor from the North of the city up to Peterhead, completion of the Energy Futures Centre and the Aberdeen offshore windfarm.

Increasing the internationalisation of local companies, harnessing alternative energy expertise and experience and global promotion of the capabilities in the region's unrivalled oil and gas supply chain are also priorities for the public private sector partnership which drives economic development in the region.

"Oil and gas are finite resources and, despite the significant and long-term opportunities that still exist in the North Sea, we must act now to keep this industry in the region for future generations," said Mike Salter, the ACSEF board member leading on this part of ACSEF's strategy.

"It is widely recognised that we have unrivalled engineering expertise, a world-class supply chain and an extensive breadth and depth of knowledge, skills and training in this industry. But we must work to provide the right conditions and infrastructure to anchor them here and the opportunities for sustainable growth."

"Much work has already been done but we need to step up a gear. Delivery of projects such as Energetica and the Energy Futures Centre will help create a modern, connected and efficient place to do business. The offshore windfarm and other initiatives will enable us to take a lead in all energy. A joined up approach to show-casing our capabilities on the global stage, increased support to help companies expand their export markets and the provision of quality market intelligence for venture capitalists to invest in fast-tracking home-grown businesses will all help drive sustainable business for our indigenous companies."

Anchoring a global energy industry to the region for the long term is a key priority for ACSEF. The partnership's overall aims are to grow the economy by 2.5% and enhance its quality of life. To achieve the aims, ACSEF is focusing on the key industry sectors of energy, life sciences, tourism and food and drink. Underpinning these aims are seven priorities of improving transport infrastructure, developing and attracting skills and expertise, re-developing the city centre, attracting more corporate head-quarters and speeding up the planning system.